The use of technology or the internet to connect patients to doctors goes as far back as 1994 (PDF) in the MENA region, when Egypt is considered that date is 2002. But wars, doctor and patient resistance, poor infrastructure, lack of funding, poor system quality, and lack of information technology training have hindered the adoption and growth of telemedicine in the MENA region.
These challenges and the pandemic which force the world to rethink access to healthcare, has created an underserved market for online medical consultation in the region.
Esaal, a health and wellness startup, which has enjoyed unprecedented success in the MENA’s telemedicine industry, has announced a $1.7 million seed investment from A15, according to a statement released by the MENA-focused company. Since its launch in 2018, Esaal has accumulated $3 million in funding, to fund its physical health and mental health and nutrition consultation services which it offers for subscription or on-demand consultation fees.
Esaal’s foray into mental health consultancy is not unrelated to Egypt’s mental crisis, where one-quarter of the country’s population is estimated to suffer from mental health issues. And despite nearly 3,800 people attempting to take their lives in the North African country, the stigma associated with seeking medical help for mental health related issues has further exacerbated the crisis. According to surveys, in the wider MENA region, (one-third) 35% of the MENA population frequently experience stress, while 29% suffer from depression, and even more adults increasingly suffer from obesity.
Esaal enlists the help of over 350 consultants to provide health and wellness services, on a broad range of issues including anxiety, physiotherapy, paediatrics, and nutrition to its 1 million users. Esaal’s users receive service offerings via text, video/voice calls and in-person home visits. At the end of each session, Esaal users can pay using cash, credit card, Fawry, or Vodafone.
In a statement sent to TechCabal, Esaal said it saw a 250% Y-o-Y increase in revenue in 2021 and a 55% jump in users. This new funding will help it target further growth in the MENA market.
